Overview & Reviews

The Chrysler Sebring was one of only a handful of reasonably priced midsize vehicles to be offered as both a sedan and a convertible. There were some Sebring highlights over the years, including the fun-in-the-sun convertible and the second-generation coupe, which shared a platform with the Mitsubishi Eclipse. But overall, the Sebring was typically outclassed by other models in terms of refinement and performance.

The Sebring did receive a major update for 2011, but with it also came a name change; it's now known as the Chrysler 200.

Most Recent Chrysler Sebring
The most-recent, third-generation Chrysler Sebring was introduced as a sedan for 2007 and convertible for '08. Production lasted until 2010. After that, Chrysler made major updates and renamed the car the Chrysler 200.

Both Sebring body styles were available in LX, Touring and Limited trims, while the convertible could be had with either a traditional soft-top design or a retractable hardtop. Base Sebrings started out reasonably well-equipped with full power accessories, front side-impact and full-length head curtain airbags, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a six-CD changer and, on the convertible, a power vinyl top (cloth was optional). Touring models got 17-inch alloy wheels and a lengthier options list, while the top-of-the-line Limited featured leather trim, automatic climate control and a premium audio system. Options included a hard-drive navigation/audio system.

Stability control was standard on the Touring and Limited trims until 2010, when it strangely was added to the options list. Meanwhile, antilock brakes were optional on the base LX. These items were standard on almost every competitor, and we highly recommend making sure a used Sebring is equipped with these essential safety features.

Standard on most Sebrings was a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine rated for 173 horsepower. A four-speed automatic transmission routed power to the front wheels. Until 2010, a 2.7-liter V6 good for 189 hp was optional on the Sebring Touring sedan and standard on Sebring Touring and Limited convertibles. Available on Limited models only was a 235-hp 3.5-liter V6 backed by a more sophisticated six-speed automatic transmission. Prior to 2010, all-wheel drive was also available with the 3.5-liter V6, though fuel economy suffered.

In reviews, we found the third-generation Sebring sedan to be about as bad as it got in the midsize segment. It was below average in most respects, ranking far behind segment leaders. The ride quality was comfortable enough, but braking and handling were well below average. The base four-cylinder was adequately powerful and fuel efficient, but it was unrefined, while the optional V6 was underpowered and inefficient. Cabin design was ergonomically sound, but the quality of the interior plastics was poor for this price range. These attributes apply to the convertible as well, but there's some inherent desirability to the convertible since there were fewer competing convertible models.

Previous Chrysler Sebring Models
In 2001 Chrysler introduced the second-generation Sebring sedan and reworked coupes and convertibles powered by updated engines and transmissions. The coupe shared a platform with Mitsubishi's Eclipse. At the top of the heap was a 3.0-liter V6 cranking out 200 hp. It was initially available only in the LXi coupe. Standard in convertibles and LXi sedans was the Chrysler-built 2.7-liter V6 rated at 200 hp. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder was also available. In early reviews we praised the Sebring for its good looks, solid performance, competitive pricing and wide range of body styles.

Minor updates followed in successive years, and Chrysler shuffled the trim levels on a nearly annual basis: The familiar Sebring LX and LXi models ultimately gave way to GTC, TSi, Touring and Limited trim levels. Note that the Sebring coupe was discontinued after the 2005 model year, while the Sebring convertible and sedan continued through 2006.

As time went by, the second-generation Chrysler Sebring became increasingly uncompetitive. In later tests, we found that its drivetrains were unrefined; its ride quality was harsh (particularly in the sedan); and its build and interior materials quality were well below average. Though it wouldn't hurt for used-car shoppers to take a look at the Sebring -- especially those interested in the model-year range of the late '90s to early 2000s -- it's probably wise to consider other options before making a final decision.

The original Sebring was launched in 1995 as Chrysler's new midsize coupe. Mechanically, it was related to the Mitsubishi Galant of the same period. Available in LX or LXi trim, the Sebring coupe came with a 163-hp, 2.5-liter V6 and a standard four-speed automatic. At the time, the vehicle's best attributes were its sporty and purposeful exterior styling and roomy (for a coupe) interior. Despite a steeply raked windshield and roof line, headroom fore and aft was adequate even for adults, and the trunk impressed us with its size. The biggest downside was the V6's marginal performance.

The first-generation Chrysler Sebring convertible debuted a year later. However, this model was based on Chrysler's own platform, which was related to the Breeze/Cirrus/Stratus compacts. At the time the car brought class, dignity and a bit of luxury to this otherwise whimsical segment, and it became quite successful.

User Reviews:

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  What a Car! - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By billt - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Driving this car is fun. Ive only had it a few days, but the manual shifting made available along with automatic Shift, is awesome. The car has a lot of get up and go, and the price is right. My first Chrysler, and Im wondering why it took me so long. It will be my car of choice as long as I can have the top down. I also had a great salesman who wasnt high pressured, and he let me go at my own pace as I decided to buy this convertible. It was a great experience.

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  Seemingly Reliable Car with a lot of go! - 2006 Chrysler Sebring
  By Shane - April 27 - 3:55 pm

  I purchased this car used with 19,000 miles and have to say it still had the new car smell. Handles and drives well. 2.7 liter v6 engine has a lot of pep and takes a minute to get use to the jumpiness of the throttle, however this is a plus once you get accustomed. The sedan is sharp on the outside with nice big wheels and sleek lines overall. The interior feels solid and reliable to me with lots of space and high end farbric bucket seats. I like the chunky radio buttons and the standard sound system is quite good. The interior is dated but the finishes seem reliable as a result. Engine builty by Chrysler- Mercedes so very reliable.

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  98 Sebring Coupe - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
  By Katsalumnus - April 21 - 4:20 pm

  Ive had this car for more than nine years. I have only had normal wear and tear maintenance on it. I am a medium frame woman and the cockpit and placing of instrument panel is comfortable and useful.

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  Worth a Look - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By Gunner - April 16 - 2:25 pm

  Ive had this car for about a week and I am pleasantly surprised. The touring model has tons of standard features that are options in other cars.

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  Great Topless Fun - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By msticks - April 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my fourth convertible and third Sebring. I traded my 1998 Sebring JXi in on a 2001 Sebring Limited (the first one my dealer received). It was Dark Blue with the Cream Leather seats. I was very disappointed in that car. Had serious electrical problems from the get-go and had to have it back to the dealer several times. In addition the very pretty cream interior was a nightmare to keep clean. Got rid of that and bought a 2002 Sebring LXi with Taupe leather interior. MUCH better car. Never been back to the dealer, seems better put together than the Limited was. Very stiff structure and well insulated top makes you forget its a convertible, until you put top down.

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  A Great Car. - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Darwin - April 1 - 5:07 pm

  I now have over 80,000 miles on the car. I have had no major problems with the car. Change the oil and thats about it. Love the size and fits the family well.

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  A greatly built car. - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
  By andy - March 31 - 8:56 pm

  Ive owned this car since new and the engine, transmission, A/C, and electrical system never gave me a problem. The only major maintenance I did was replace the motor mounts, installed a new top and new carpet. This is a very underrated car. The engine and transmission are Japanese and these can go the distance like Toyotas or Hondas.

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  Love my Car - 1998 Chrysler Sebring
  By robby - March 21 - 12:33 pm

  I bought this car 8 years ago, it was the style that attracted me. I liked the sporty look of the front cowl. I love the way it handles, the performance, the comfort. I have taken very good care of it and it has been a great car.

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  Wish they still made this one... - 2001 Chrysler Sebring
  By Lisa - March 20 - 2:01 pm

  I bought new. At 60k I wrecked the front end needed radiator heating/cooling replaced and body work. I kept driving and now have 170,000 miles on my car. The only reason Im trading in is all the replacement parts are starting to go bad and I cant live without air conditioning in the summer. I wish they still made this car because Id buy another in a heart beat. There is nothing like slouching down in the seat and punching the gas. Lots of fun.

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  Good Car, Nice ride - 2007 Chrysler Sebring
  By DAT in Oklahoma - March 19 - 10:54 am

  We bought ours a few weeks ago and really enjoy the ride. This is a very quiet vehicle with plenty of space and leg room. Good handling. Still getting used to the width since Ive driven a jeep for the last 6 years.